Today is June 12. In Nigeria, June 12 is significant for two reasons: first for the man, M.K.O Abiola whom people described as “larger than life” and symbolised charity, freedom and a detribalised Nigeria. Second for democracy.

June 12, Twitter NG agrees is Nigeria’s true democracy day, because for the first and only time we daresay, Nigeria held its freest and fairest elections. And the military Head of State at the time thwarted the will of the people by annulling the elections.

Below are the events that took place thereafter, which prove why M.K.O is a hero.

Take a look:

So, what history and lessons are we learning about #June12 today?

— Vlad (@AbiodunOmonijo) June 12, 2017

Anyone who thinks #May29 is truly #DemocracyDay for Nigeria doesn't know history, that distinction goes to #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) May 29, 2014

#June12, 1993, Nigeria's freest and fairest Presidential election was held… We remember…

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2014

1/25 On November 10th 1993, Justice Dolapo Akinsanya of the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled against the Interim National #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

2/25 Government (ING) led by Ernest Shonekan . #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

3/25 She ruled that Decree 61, the empowering authority behind the ING was illegal since it was signed by Ibrahim Babangida after he #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

4/25 had lost the legal authority to do so. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

5/25 She declared the ING null and void and directed that the only valid law in the nation was the 1989 constitution, under which #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

6/25 the annulled presidential election (and previous State and Federal Legislative and Executive elections) were held. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

7/25 Consequently, her ruling directed that steps be taken to restore the the annulled Presidential election and the winner, MKO #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

8/25 Abiola sworn in. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

9/25 Rather than respect the court ruling, on November 17th, 1993, a group of military officers staged a palace coup, had Ernest #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

10/25 Shonekan resign and installed General Abacha as the Chairman of what they termed a 'Provisional Ruling Council'. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

11/25 General Abacha then suspended parts of the constitution, dismissed all democratically elected executives and legislators in #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

12/25 the country and shut down all democratic institutions of government. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

13/25 By mid next year, MKO Abiola decided to go after what the Nigerian electorate had vested him with. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

14/25 On June 11, 1994, at Epetedo, Lagos, Abiola dismissed Abacha's PRC & claimed his mandate (http://t.co/mD6jfpxNQV). #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

15/25 He formed a Government of National Unity (GNU) as the only legal governing body in Nigeria and asked for the loyalty and #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

16/25 cooperation of the Armed Forces as well as Civil Society. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

17/25 His action was deemed illegal by the PRC (not any court of law), and after he refused to rescind his proclamation he was #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

18/25 declared wanted and charged with treason. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

19/25 A few days later he was taken away by Nigerian Police Force from his house. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

19/25 A few days later he was taken away by Nigerian Police Force from his house. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

20/25 When asked if he was scared, he replied: "I am not in any way disturbed by it. Any sacrifice is in order. If it will bring #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

21/25 democracy, peace and posterity to Nigeria." #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

22/25 By 1998 both he and General Abacha were eliminated by the CIA (subject of another discussion). #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

23/25 So those who refer to him as President-Elect and not President negate the fact that not only did he claim his mandate, but it #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

25/25 Thank you for reading, God Bless You and God Bless Nigeria. #June12

— Mr. Aye Dee (@MrAyeDee) June 12, 2015

Amen.